Island Health is alerting Chemainus residents that a feral kitten in the area has tested positive for rabies.
The free-roaming kitten was found on the roadside in the 8000 block of Chemainus Road on July 9, and began exhibiting symptoms of rabies on July 12.
A rabies test was done and it was confirmed on July 21 the kitten was infected.
Island Health says all individuals at risk of exposure after July 9 have been located and are receiving follow-up care.
However, the kitten could have transmitted the infection to someone after July 2.
The risk to the public is extremely low, but Island Health asks anyone who had direct contact with a kitten in the area between July 2 and July 9 to contact the Communicable Disease Program at 250-519-3575 for assessment.
The kitten was believed to be living in a tree on or near a rural property in the 8000 block of Chemainus Road.
Island Health says the likelihood that people not already identified came into contact with the kitten is very low, but out of an abundance of caution is notifying the community.
